Creative cities in Sri Lanka: understanding the cultural heritage, modernity and the sustainability of creative industries in Pilimatalawa, Molagoda and Wewaldeniya

Abstract

The research project aims to introduce creative city concept to Sri Lanka. The project will align with the concept of creative cities under the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage which highlighted area of Kandy and related areas and promote access to local craft culture along with protection and promotion of cultural diversity of indigenous art and craft heritage. UNESCO world heritage city Kandy has selected as the study setting of the research. Many traditional arts and crafts based creative industries have directly facilitated to Socio-cultural economic infrastructure since the city had been a Kingdom from 15th Century AD to 1815. Even after the British took hold the capital of Kandy in the year of 1815, the traditional industries has been continued up to date. A living tradition which is based on the industries is still demanding in the life and the culture of the Sri Lankan people. The objective of the research is to investigate how sustainable the creative industries of brass wear of Pilimthalwa, pottery of Molagoda and reed work of Wewaldeniya in the context of the present city development plan. The research project started on April 2019 . This is a qualitative research approach. Research design involves field surveys, on field observations, interviews and discussions to gather data and information. A qualitative analysis of the data will be performed using the literature review and theoretical models. Mapping research with documentation will carry out according to ethnographic study methodology. This project will add value to sustainable industries of Sri Lanka. The project outcomes will be able to meaningfully implement in several institutions of Sri Lanka as well. The outcomes will be very much vital for the regional development/regional planning aspects of these industries (an angle on regional economy) within local and globalizing circuits. Review the existing development plan in relation to creative industries, Spatial distribution map of brass industries in the area towards planning a map of actor networks will forward a set of guidelines in relation to city planning to promote the industry in more sustainable way in the future. Categorization of the art and craft aspects of the industry (recording of Traditional form of art) is beneficial to stakeholders of the art and craft field (professionals/apprentices) and students to gain insight knowledge on the craft then transfer traditional knowledge into modern perspective.